module specification

This module focuses on understanding the principles of human movement in terms of anatomy, biomechanics, and the physiology of the muscular, nervous and skeletal systems. In addition the module explores the application of this knowledge to performance analysis, the development of sporting excellence, and injury prevention.

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. The module aims to: provide an understanding of human movement and its control in terms of physiological, biomechanical, and behavioural principles; develop the ability to apply theoretical understanding of human movement in a variety of contexts including the analysis and development of sporting performance, and the prevention and treatment of injuries; and, develop critical thinking skills of data analysis and interpretation of results.

Movement of inanimate objects: linear and rotation movements and their explanation in terms of forces and torques LO1, LO2, LO5 
Forces involved in selected athletic movements; movement description: principles and techniques LO1, LO2, LO5 
Cell and tissue biomechanics related to sports performance LO1, LO3
Neurophysiological control of movement:  central and peripheral aspects LO1, LO3, LO4
Sensory inputs and movement LO1, LO2, LO4
Behavioural approaches to motor learning and control LO1, LO2, LO4
Musculoskeletal lever systems LO1, LO2
Projectile motion, impact, elasticity; spin. LO1 
Static posture and gait analysis:  description of relevant movements, muscles and forces; differences between walking and running. LO1, LO2, LO5
Fluid mechanics: fluid resistance; drag; relative motion; flotation, particular reference to swimming. LO1 
Practical applications to specific sports quantitative and qualitative analysis; use of video; identifying, evaluating and correcting faults in technique. LO1, LO2, LO5, LO6

Knowledge of the subject matter will be communicated through lectures (54 hours) and tutorials (6 hours). Appropriate supporting materials will be provided for these class sessions, together with a wider range of web-based learning resources and other student-centred learning opportunities (220 hours). Practical classes (20 hours) will be used to develop expertise with data collection and evaluation, and will form the basis of the coursework component. Self-managed time and private study should be distributed over the whole year and not left until the final weeks. Students’ study responsibilities are further articulated in the FLS Staff/Student Agreement which is available via the Faculty Web site.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Give an account of underlying mechanical principles relevant to human movement.
2.  Explain human movement in terms of anatomical and biomechanical principles.
3.  Give an account of how the neuromuscular system controls movement.
4.  Demonstrate understanding of the behavioural approach to understanding movement control.
5.  Conduct a set of laboratory exercises relevant to the module, and write reports of these in appropriate scientific style.
6.  Use theoretical principles to analyse and evaluate sporting technique in the context of injury prevention and performance enhancement.

2 x Practical written report, each 1500 words, showing understanding of biomechanical concepts and interpretation & recommendations based on experimental results (LO 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)

Examination: Based on lectures from first semester (LO 1, 2, 3, 4)

Presentation: Based on a particular sporting scenario, students apply knowledge from across the module into performance enhancement (LO 1, 2, 6)

Textbooks:

Core Texts: 

Ackland, T.R., Elliott, B.C. and Bloomfield, J. (2009) Applied anatomy and biomechanics in Sport, 2nd edn. Leeds, UK: Human Kinetics. (ISBN 978-0-7360-6338-8)

Blazewich, A.J. (2010) Sports biomechanics: The basics: Optimising human performance, 2nd edn. London: A & C Black. (ISBN 978-1408127490)

Grimshaw, P. and Burden, A. (2006) BIOS Instant notes in sport and exercise biomechanics. Oxon, UK: Taylor & Francis. (ISBN 978-1859962848)

Hall, S. (2014) Basic biomechanics. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. (ISBN 978-0-07-337644-8)

Payton, C. and Bartlett, R. (2007) Biomechanical evaluation of movement in sport and exercise: The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences guide. Abingdon: Routledge. (ISBN 978-0415434690)
 
Other Texts:

Bartlett, R. (2007) Introduction to sports biomechanics, 2nd edn. London: Routledge. (ISBN 978-0415339940)

Bartlett, R. and Bussey, M. (2011) Sports Biomechanics: Reducing injury risk and improving sports performance, 2nd edn. London: Routledge. (ISBN 978-0415558389)

Clippinger, K. (2007) Dance anatomy and kinesiology. Chicago, IL: Human Kinetics. (ISBN 978-0-88011-531-5)

Enoka, R.M. (2008) Neuromechanics of human movement, 4th edn. Chicago, IL: Human Kinetics. (ISBN 978-0736066792)

Griffiths, I. W. (2006) Principles of Biomechanics and Motion Analysis. Philadelphia, Williams and Wilkins.

Hamill, J., and Knutzen, K.M. (2010) Biomechanical basis of human movement, 4th edn. Philadelphia, USA: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. (ISBN 978-1-4511-7730-5)

Kerr, A. (2010) Introductory biomechanics. London: Churchill-Livingstone. (ISBN 978-0443069444)

McGarry, T., O'Donoghue, P., and Sampaio, J. (2013) Routledge handbook of sports performance analysis.  Abingdon: Routledge.

O'Donoghue, P. (2014) An introduction to performance analysis of sport. Abingdon: Routledge.

Rosenbaum D.A. (2009) Human motor control, 2nd edn. London: Academic Press. (ISBN 978-0123742261)

Schmidt R.A. and Lee, T.D. (2011) Motor control and learning, 5th edn.  Chicago, IL: Human Kinetics. (ISBN 978-0736079617)

Schmidt R.A. and Wrisberg C.A. (2007) Motor learning and performance, 4th edn. Chicago, IL: Human Kinetics.  (ISBN 978-0736069649)